Coming soon

🎊Major Announcement🎊
Join us for this special CreativeMornings/Derby celebration as Derby’s theme is shared around the globe!Strictly Ticketed Event - register now for free on the website.Speaker line up to be announced shortly…Check out the global artwork by our very own Carla Matthews ❤️🔥

Planning your week? Don’t forget to reserve your free ticket to catch Abbie Sunter sharing her thoughts on our global theme of Vision, this Friday 18th from 09.30am @derbymuseums Museum and Art Gallery.

I’m Abbie, a ceramic artist. My work explores the connections between culture, folklore, identity and place. I have always been fascinated by ancient cultures from around the world but for the last two years, I have found that what I was searching for in other cultures could be found in my own. By searching for something intangible, like the idea of place I found that the history of place; both real and imagined, when rooted in landscape, can exist as a vehicle for storytelling and mythmaking in art.

I moved here in 2010 to study Fine Art at the University of Derby, after finishing my BA in 2013 I took part in a few exhibitions and artist residencies, during that time I also found myself almost randomly, becoming a part of the team that delivered the famous “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” poppy project at the Tower of London.

For the next several years I began to slowly work away on building up my own creative practice as a ceramic artist. From delivering children’s workshops, to working in schools and eventually, getting my own studio at Banks Mill, the mission was simple – don’t stop doing what you love.

Since 2018 I have continued to push my practice forward and in 2022, I decided the best way to do that was to return to the University of Derby to gain my master’s degree. During this time, I also became an Incubation Co-Ordinator for Banks Mill Studios, using my knowledge as a tenant of 5 years, to help guide the next generation through this exciting next step. I also started a second job working as Technical Support in the School of Arts, helping to support students in the ceramics department. Apparently, I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to giving myself too much to do.

When I’m not covered in clay, I am also;

An eater of good food

Watcher of great movies

Listener of all kinds of music

…and a Dairy Milk enthusiast

Our theme for October is VISION. It was chosen by our Riyadh chapter in Saudi Arabia and illustrated by Razan Alshalan.

How do you see the world? How do you want to change it?

Vision refers both to the sense of sight and our ability to imagine the future. Are you focused on the little details? Can you see the big picture?

As we age, our eyesight begins to deteriorate; seeing objects up close gets more difficult. And as we gain experience, what we want to accomplish evolves. Will your life grow darker or brighter?

Each creative act involves seeing something in your mind’s eye then attempting to make it a reality. A painter, an architect, and every other type of artist or craftsman has a vision for their work. What message, emotion, or impact do you want to convey in yours? 
You are your own visionary. What do you want to see?

Hey there, I’m Rose! 📚🌲✨

I’m a bibliophile, foodie, and nature lover who’s always on the hunt for the next adventure. Whether it’s diving into a new novel, discovering the latest food spot, or wandering through the woods, I’m all about savouring life’s little joys.

When I’m not eating, reading or walking, you’ll find me with an audio recorder in hand, enhancing my skills as an award-winning sound artist, or scratching my head as a strategic thinker. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to curate and deliver sound projects in some pretty unique places—from prisons, libraries, and high secure hospitals to DJ vans outside McDonald’s! 🎶 I’m now working part time as the Strategic Lead for Shared Reading – a community program delivered by Derby Book Festival alongside my freelance sound work.

I recently left my role as a Media Production Lecturer, specialising in radio and community education. My academic research looks at how radio and sound can support those in marginalised communities, with a focus on the prison community.

I am very grateful I get to be a part of community projects that empower, improve confidence, provide a platform to share new stories and give a voice to those who have not previously been heard – both through radio, sound, and Shared Reading.

Other hobbies include but are not limited to creating YouTube videos, keeping a food Instagram page, photography, and naps on the sofa with my dog Gwen. 🐾

Our theme for CreativeMornings September is REFLECTION. It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.Without reflection, there can be no personal growth. Learning from our past yields greater wisdom and happiness. But don’t let self-awareness turn into self-absorption. Take heed of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own handsome reflection in a pool of water.Reflecting on difficult moments can be painful but also healing. When our Oklahoma City chapter selected this theme, they mentioned a reflecting pool at the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that was designed to help people reflect on how they were changed by that tragic event.Pondering the world around us and following our curiosity adds depth to our creative work. As William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, the purpose of acting is “to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to nature.” While George Bernard Shaw said, “you use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” (Although Bertolt Brecht countered, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”)Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.Free tickets are now live on the CreativeMornings/Derby website. Catch the fascinating Rose Braisby as she walks us through this month’s global theme from 09.30am Derby Museums and Art Gallery on Friday 20th September.

David Garvin has been a valued member of the CreativeMornings/Derby community since the beginning and it’s a total pleasure to have him as this month’s speaker.

David said:

‘It’s amazing to think I started my East Midlands journey here in Derby over 25 years ago, having grown up in North Wales I then moved here to complete a degree in Product Design, Innovation & Marketing at the University of Derby, Kedleston Road.

Since graduating, I have worked and lived in Nottingham as a design engineer and now settled to family life in Loughborough, Leicestershire, working predominantly in the retail display industry since 2005.

In 2012 I decided to leave full time work and explore the contracting world, now twelve years later I provide design services to key clients within the retail point of sale & manufacturing industry, supplying bespoke technical design and drawing services.

This month’s theme is Ritual, rituals are deeply woven into our creative processes, whether we recognise them or not, from small habits to unlock creative blocks or ceremonial aspects when presenting our work to the world. I’m looking forward to exploring the theme with the CreativeMornings community here in Derby.’

Catch David’s talk on Friday 16th August from 09.30am at Derby Museum and Art Gallery - you can sign up now for free on the website.

#CreativeMornings #CreativeCommunity #Derby

Charlottesville chapter in North Carolina and illustrated by Matt Smithson.

Rituals add meaning and a deeper sense of connection to our lives. They allow us to practice mindfulness and reflection. Unlike our daily routine and habits, rituals have the power to inspire us. 

Brushing your teeth is routine. Going for a morning walk would be a good habit. And writing a gratitude journal could become your morning ritual. The key is to act with intentionality. 

Our CreativeMornings events have their own rituals. Getting a cup of coffee creates an opportunity to say hello to someone new while you wait your turn in line. Reading our manifesto out loud reinforces our beliefs that everyone is creative and everyone is welcome. 

What rituals do you practice in your relationships, your spirituality, and your creative work? How do they heighten your sense of purpose and belonging in this world?

See you at Derby Museum and Art Gallery on Friday 16th August from 09.30am

This is a little reminder that we went on a road trip this month to Timber Festival. Huge thanks to all of you who joined us in person and those who supported us live on Instagram.

THEREFORE THERE WILL NOT BE A CMDERBY EVENT ON FRIDAY 19th JULY.

In August, we’ll be back in action at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Our theme for July is TRUST. It was chosen by our Islamabad chapter and illustrated by Ibrahim Nasir.

Trust is the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of our relationships and society together. But, in turbulent times, doubt can unravel our strengths. 

So, go with your gut. Put your trust in a higher power, in our institutions, and in karma. Believe that people will do the right thing. Trust the process. And that your creativity is a well that will never run dry. 

When we trust each other, we feel safe to share ideas, give feedback, and take risks. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to be open to the possibility of disappointment or betrayal. So, trust is not purely belief or faith. It is an active choice. 

Trust is a gift. It must be given before it can be earned.

Fancy having your say on the next iteration of the Derby Culture Strategy? Have your chance at this month’s CreativeMornings/Derby!

Mike Brown has worked in arts and cultural development for 20+ years. This has included major capital developments, co-founding the Format International Photography Festival and developing programmes across health, wellbeing and education. Recently his focus has been on strategic and structural development to support the longer-term sustainability of the creative and cultural sector. Mike was the primary bid writer for Derby’s bid for UK City of Culture 2025 and is now working on legacy activity to ensure culture and creativity remain key drivers for Derby’s regeneration and growth.

Mike is currently working with Civic Lab at University of Derby to refresh and update the Derby Culture Strategy. For CreativeMornings/Derby he will share information on this process and provide an opportunity for you to help shape and inform the strategy priorities. He will also discuss the development of Culture Derby as a new leadership organisation to drive the delivery of the strategy, supporting growth and impact of the cultural and creative sectors. 

It’s going to be an interactive session and we can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

Join us for free on Friday 21st June from 09.30am at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Everyone is Creative. Everyone is Welcome.